Texans could trade for Patriots backup QB Ryan Mallett

Ryan Mallett has served as Tom Brady’s backup for three seasons. (John Grieshop/Getty Images)

NEW YORK — The Texans could complete a trade for New England Patriots backup quarterback Ryan Mallett, the Houston Chronicle has learned.

CSN New England’s Tom Curran first reported the potential deal.

If the Texans trade for Mallett, the deal isn’t expected to affect the Texans’ No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft. Mallett is also expected to have to agree to a contract extension to become a Texan. He’s entering the final year of a four-year, $2.9 million contract and set to become a free agent after the 2014 season.

Mallett, 25, has long been involved in trade rumors. Texans coach Bill O’Brien’s previous NFL run was with New England, while new Texans quarterbacks coach George Godsey spent 2012-13 as the Patriots’ tight ends coach.

Mallett was the No. 74 overall pick of the 2011 draft. The former Arkansas QB has only thrown eight passes, completing none, in three NFL seasons while backing up Tom Brady.

Mallett finished seventh in the 2010 Heisman Trophy voting. He threw for 8,385 combined yards, 69 touchdowns and 24 interceptions during a three-year collegiate career that began at Michigan.

Veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick, Case Keenum and T.J. Yates are the Texans’ current three QBs.